Idaho
There are over 1,200 known hiking and trekking trails in Idaho.
Most popular trails:
Bear Lake Hike: 3.4 miles round trip, moderate. This trail takes you to the shores of Bear Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.
Peete Lake Trail: 4.6 miles round trip, easy. This trail leads to a secluded lake surrounded by mountains.
Mount Borah: 10.4 miles round trip, strenuous. This is the tallest mountain in Idaho and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Redfish Lake Overlook Trail: 2.4 miles round trip, moderate. This trail takes you to a scenic overlook of Redfish Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Craters of the Moon National Monument: There are several trails in this park, ranging from 0.5 miles to 4.5 miles round trip. The trails take you through lava fields, cinder cones, and caves.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area: There are over 100 trails in this area, ranging from 0.5 miles to 15 miles round trip. The trails take you through mountains, forests, and lakes.
Most popular trails in Idaho
Bear Lake Hike: This 3.4-mile round trip trail takes you to the shores of Bear Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. The trail is moderately difficult and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Redfish Lake Overlook Trail: This 2.4-mile round trip trail takes you to a scenic overlook of Redfish Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The trail is moderately difficult and offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Craters of the Moon National Monument: This park is home to a variety of volcanic features, including lava fields, cinder cones, and caves. There are several trails in the park, ranging from 0.5 miles to 4.5 miles round trip. The trails are all moderately difficult and offer a unique perspective on the power of nature.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area: This area is home to over 100 trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails take you through mountains, forests, and lakes, and offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Some of the most popular trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area include the following:
The Seven Devils: This mountain range is home to several challenging trails with stunning views. The hikes in the Seven Devils are not for the faint of heart, but they offer a rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge.
The Big Hole National Battlefield: This battlefield is home to several trails that take you through the site of the Battle of the Big Hole, a major battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877. The trails are all moderately difficult and offer a glimpse into the history of the American West.
The Sawtooth Wilderness: This wilderness area is home to some of the most challenging trails in Idaho. The hikes in the Sawtooth Wilderness are not for the faint of heart, but they offer a rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge.
Mount Borah: This is the tallest mountain in Idaho and offers challenging hikes with stunning views. The hike to the summit is strenuous, but it is well worth the effort for the views.
Best trails for certain activities in Idaho
Hiking: Bear Lake Hike, Peete Lake Trail, Mount Borah, Redfish Lake Overlook Trail, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Backpacking: Sawtooth National Recreation Area, The Seven Devils
Mountain biking: Galena Summit Trail, Tamarack Trail System
Horseback riding: Big Creek Trail, Trail Creek Trail
Fishing: Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, Lake Cascade
Camping: Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Priest Lake State Park
Most challenging trails in Idaho:
Mount Borah: This is the tallest mountain in Idaho and offers challenging hikes with stunning views. The hike to the summit is 10.4 miles round trip and is strenuous.
The Seven Devils: This mountain range is home to several challenging trails with stunning views. The hikes in the Seven Devils range from 3 to 15 miles round trip and are strenuous.
The Big Hole National Battlefield: This battlefield is home to several trails that take you through the site of the Battle of the Big Hole, a major battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877. The trails are all moderately difficult and range from 0.5 to 4.5 miles round trip.
The Sawtooth Wilderness: This wilderness area is home to some of the most challenging trails in Idaho. The hikes in the Sawtooth Wilderness range from 5 to 15 miles round trip and are strenuous.
The Selkirk Mountains: This mountain range is home to several challenging trails with stunning views. The hikes in the Selkirk Mountains range from 5 to 15 miles round trip and are strenuous.
Most scenic trails in Idaho:
Bear Lake Hike: This trail takes you to the shores of Bear Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. The trail is 3.4 miles round trip and is moderately difficult.
Redfish Lake Overlook Trail: This trail takes you to a scenic overlook of Redfish Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The trail is 2.4 miles round trip and is moderately difficult.
Craters of the Moon National Monument: This park is home to a variety of volcanic features, including lava fields, cinder cones, and caves. There are several trails in the park, ranging from 0.5 miles to 4.5 miles round trip. The trails are all moderately difficult.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area: This area is home to over 100 trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails take you through mountains, forests, and lakes, and offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 15 miles round trip.
The Seven Devils: This mountain range is home to several challenging trails with stunning views. The hikes in the Seven Devils range from 3 to 15 miles round trip and are strenuous.
Most family-friendly trails in Idaho:
Bear Lake Hike: This trail is perfect for families with young children. The trail is 3.4 miles round trip and is moderately difficult.
Peete Lake Trail: This trail is another great option for families with young children. The trail is 4.6 miles round trip and is easy.
Custer State Park: This park has a variety of trails that are perfect for families, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 10 miles round trip.
Priest Lake State Park: This park also has a variety of trails that are perfect for families, including hiking, biking, and boating trails. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 15 miles round trip.
Farragut State Park: This park has a great playground and several easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 2 miles round trip.
Most accessible trails in the state of Idaho:
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area: This area has several accessible trails, including the Round Lake Trail and the Mesa Falls Trail. Round Lake Trail is 0.4 miles round trip and Mesa Falls Trail is 0.2 miles round trip.
The City of Boise: This city also has several accessible trails, including the Greenbelt Trail and the Julia Davis Park Trail. Greenbelt Trail is 23 miles long and Julia Davis Park Trail is 1.3 miles long.
The Coeur d'Alene Public Library: This library has an accessible trail that goes around the library grounds. The trail is 0.1 miles round trip.
Where to get permits for trails:
To get permits for trails in Idaho, you can visit the website of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. You can also get permits at some trailheads.
(208) 334-4199
You can call this number to speak to a customer service representative about any parks and recreation related questions you may have. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mountain Standard Time.
